9 Amazing Destinations in Minnesota To Check Out This Summer!

Before your kids start with that familiar whiney "I'm bored" phrase this summer, make a plan to check out some of these fun spots in Minnesota that are great boredom-busters.  And before your schedule fills up, text this story to your BFF with kids and get that playdate on the calendar!

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9 Amazing Places to Check Out in Minnesota To Avoid The "I'm Bored" Whine This Summer

1) Toys and Fun Galore at Lark Toys in Kellogg, Minnesota

• Ride on the hand-carved carousel!
• Play miniature golf!
• CAUTION: Parents, this place is FULL of toys.  This might be a good spot to go as a reward once your child gets all the stores on a chore chart or has another great accomplishment.  Just make sure you bring some cash!
• Lark Toys - 63604 170th Ave, Kellogg, MN 55945 (Get Directions)
• Visit the Lark Toys website for hours

2) Check Out the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota

• If you've got kids that love nature, this is a great place to go and watch eagles sour through the air in Wabasha and along the Mississippi River.
• Go inside the National Eagle Center to learn more about our National bird at the exhibits inside.
• National Eagle Center -50 Pembroke Ave, Wabasha, MN 55981 (Get Directions)
• Visit the National Eagle Center website for hours and more info.

READ MORE: Sad Update From National Eagle Center in Minnesota

3) Explore the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, Minnesota

• Animals are a favorite for kids and the Minnesota Zoo is full of amazing animals that kids will love learning about.  Bring your walking shoes and get ready for a day of adventure!
• Minnesota Zoo -13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124 (Get Directions)
• Visit the Minnesota Zoo website for hours and to see if tickets are available.

4) Say "Hi" to the Animals at Como Park Zoo in St. Paul, Minnesota

• Gorillas, giraffes, and so many more animals are waiting to greet your family as you explore one of Minnesota's gems, Como Zoo!
• Here's the best news...Como Park Zoo is free.
• Como Park Zoo & Conservatory -1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103 (Get Directions)
• Learn more about Como Park Zoo and Conservatory on their website.

5) Enjoy the Animals and Trails at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo in Byron, Minnesota

• One of Southeast Minnesota's best kept secrets is a free zoo in Byron, Minnesota called Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo.  You can enjoy an outdoor classroom (which is like a playground with learning opportunities), hiking trails, parks, and a zoo!
• Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo -5731 County Rd 105 NW, Byron, MN 55920 (Get Directions)
• Learn more about Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo on its website.

READ MORE: New "Baby" Animal Just Arrived at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo in Southeast Minnesota

6) Go for a hike at Quarry Hill Nature Center in Rochester, Minnesota

• Rochester might be known for Mayo Clinic but it also is home to a great park with great trails for hiking.  See fish, turtles, and other wildlife as you explore the area.  You can even hike to an area that is great for fossil hunting.
• Quarry Hill Nature Center -701 Silver Creek Rd NE, Rochester, MN 55906 (Get Directions)
• Learn more at the Quarry Hill Nature Center website.

7) Enjoy the outdoors at Whitewater State Park in Altura, Minnesota

• Love the outdoors?  Whitewater State Park is a gorgeous area full of trails, camping spots, and more that is great for a day or weekend adventure.
• Whitewater State Park -19041 MN-74, Altura, MN 55910 (Get Directions)
• Learn more at Whitewater State Parks website

8) Enjoy a Day of Fun at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota

• Spend time riding the rides at Nickelodeon Universe, see the amazing creations at The Lego Store, wave at the fish at the aquarium or enjoy the Crayola Experience.  Of course, you can do a little shopping while you are there too.
• Mall of America: 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425 (Get Directions)
• Learn more at the Mall of America website.

READ MORE: 144,000 Ladybugs Released at Popular Mall of America in Minnesota

9) Grab a Baseball Glove and Have Fun at a Minnesota Twins game in Minneapolis!

• Grab tickets for a game and have fun at Target Field!  Go on a Sunday and the kids can even run the bases after the game.
• Minnesota Twins at Target Field:1 Twins Way, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (Get Directions)
• Learn more at the Minnesota Twins website.